Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, is facing a cumulative prison sentence of up to 57 years if convicted on six counts of certificate forgery, money laundering, and corrupt enrichment brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Nnaji was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 13, following his arrest on July 1.
The court has adjourned his trial until September 21. His prosecution stems from an investigation revealing that he submitted forged University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.
A legal review of the six-count charge sheet reveals a breakdown of the specific offences, governing laws, and potential prison terms:
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Count 1 (Money Laundering): Accuses Nnaji of taking possession of ₦29.5 million in ministerial salaries while knowing the funds derived from an unlawful act, violating Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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Penalty: 4 to 14 years imprisonment.
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Count 2 (Corrupt Advantage): Alleges he used his public office to confer an unfair advantage upon himself, violating Section 19 of the ICPC Act 2000.
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Penalty: 5 years imprisonment without the option of a fine.
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Counts 3 & 4 (False Information): Alleges he knowingly presented false NYSC and UNN degree certificates to mislead the Federal Government, violating Section 17(1)(c) of the ICPC Act 2000.
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Penalty: 5 years imprisonment per count (10 years total).
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Counts 5 & 6 (Forgery under Penal Code): Alleges he produced and used false NYSC and UNN degree certificates as genuine under Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code (applicable in Abuja).
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Penalty: Up to 14 years imprisonment per count (28 years total).
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If found guilty on all counts, Nnaji could serve a maximum of 14 years if the trial judge orders the sentences to run concurrently.
However, if the court rules that the terms must run consecutively, the former minister faces between 47 and 57 years behind bars.
The ICPC has built a track record of securing convictions under these exact provisions, including recent landmark rulings against public officers for double allowance claims, job racketeering, and presenting forged trade credentials to gain civil service employment.
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